Sean Fitzpatrick is backing the All Blacks
New Zealand legend Sean Fitzpatrick has urged Bridgnorth's 'All Blacks' to "have fun" when they head for their dream day out at Twickenham on Sunday.
Bridgnorth face Maidstone in the final of the RFU Intermediate Cup at the weekend and, during a visit to Shropshire last night, Fitzpatrick urged them to enjoy the day.
The 51-year-old former hooker was guest speaker at Shrewsbury Rugby Club's annual dinner at the town's Lord Hill Hotel.
He said: "It is fantastic. They need to enjoy it, soak up the atmosphere and make sure they have a bit of fun.
"Most of them will only ever play at Twickenham once so they have to make sure they enjoy it and leave no stone unturned.
"My advice would be to have a good time and make it an experience to remember. For friends and family it is a major day, so you have to relax and have a good time.
"Playing for the All Blacks I was always very nervous and most of the time I didn't really enjoy the occasion until it was over.
"As you get older you appreciate how much you can enjoy it if you have a look around and think 'wow, I'm playing at Twickenham'."
Fitzpatrick, who won the World Cup with the New Zealand All Blacks in 1987 and went on to captain his country, spent the evening entertaining guests with tales of his career.
He said: "Coming back to these clubs and seeing the guys at the grass roots is fantastic.
"For me, probably my greatest memories are when I was four years old playing for my local club in New Zealand.
"I played for College Rifles in Auckland, which was my local club, then for my schoolboy team and then for my university club.
"In New Zealand growing up, it was about a lifestyle. The club was at the centre of the town and you spent a whole day there on Saturday – Mum, Dad and the kids."
